Blazing Saddles

Timeless comedy

This movie probably could not be made these days but it hits every cliche, every racial cliche and the fifth wall is broken a number of times. We watched this movie a number of times and then we lent it to family members and then they lent it to others.

More than fifty years after its release, Mel Brook's classic "Blazing Saddles" has definitely stood the test of time. Truly one of the greatest comedies ever produced. I have seen it many times over the years and I enjoy it and laugh just as much as I did the first time I saw it. In the movie, set on the American Frontier in 1864, the discovery of quicksand forces a railroad construction to be rerouted through the town of Rock Ridge. Knowing that the residents of the town will not just pack up and leave, nefarious Attorney General Hedly Lamarr (Played by the late comic legend Harvey Korman in the best performance of his career.) orders one of his bumbling minions named Taggart (The late Slim Pickins.) to lead a gang of criminals to attack Rock Ridge in the hopes of driving out the residents. During one of the raids, Rock Ridge's Sherriff is killed. The town resident's contact Governor William LePetomane (Mel Brooks in one of a few roles he plays in the film) and request a new Sherriff. LaMarr convinces the Governor to appoint Bart, a black railroad worker, to be the new Sherriff thinking the residents will be so reviled by a black man as Sherriff they would leave voluntarily. There are many reasons why "Blazing Saddles" is the great movie it is. One such reason is the cast. All of the actors fit very well into their respective roles. The late Cleavon Little is excellent as Sherriff Bart. His first appearance in Rock Ridge is nothing short of hysterical. The late Gene Wilder is (as usual) also excellent as Bart's friend and companion The Waco Kid. I must not forget to mention the late Alex Karras who is just terrific as Mongo. In addition to his comic talents, Mel Brooks' talent as a songwriter shines as well in the movie. The movie's theme song and the other songs in the film "The Ballad of Rock Ridge", "I'm Tired" and "The French Mistake" are all quite good and add to the movie's appeal. In my opinion what makes a comedy movie great is that it can still bring laughs even after repeated viewings. "Blazing Saddles" certainly does that (The same can be said for Brook's other comedies "Young Frankenstein" and "High Anxiety".) which I always find impressive considering how difficult that can be. Overall, "Blazing Saddles" is well deserving of the accolades it has received. I could not recommend the movie more. See it as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed.

This movie is a classic. It was made at a time when people had thicker skins and 'political correctness' hadn't been introduced. The majority of people, at the time, found it hilarious, regardless of color or personal beliefs as it poked fun at the stereotypes of various people, again regardless of color or beliefs. If viewed in this context, you'll enjoy the movie, I think. If you get 'offended' easily or just look for something to be offended about, you probably will be and that is sad. The language can be pretty sharp, too, but it's nothing that you haven't heard, before. Personally, I don't like a lot of the language used, but it doesn't really offend me as being offended over something is really just a choice we make. Before you buy it, I would recommend looking-up "Blazing Saddles" and read about the history of making it. I bought the 'unrated' version that has not been censored and I'm glad I did. I've seen the 'censored' version on TV and it is nowhere near as funny as the uncensored version. Some people will view the movie as racist, but if you put your 'political correctness' on the shelf and view the movie as it was intended to be viewed and thought about, you might just enjoy it.

This is a wonderful classic spoof of western movies. Apparently, it was such a good parody that it effectively ended the genre.